How to Cook Chicken Tamales in the Oven: A Simple Method for Delicious Results

Are you craving those delicious chicken tamales but don’t have a steamer? I’ve got great news – you can actually cook them in your oven! While steaming is traditionally the go-to method baking tamales in the oven is a convenient alternative that yields amazingly tender and flavorful results when done properly.

As someone who’s experimented with different cooking methods for tamales, I’m excited to share this oven technique that’ll have you enjoying homemade chicken tamales without special equipment Let’s dive into the world of oven-baked tamales!

Why Cook Tamales in the Oven?

Before we get to the steps, you might be wondering why you’d want to cook tamales in the oven rather than steaming them:

• It’s a hands-off approach (perfect for busy cooks)
• No need for special steaming equipment
• Can cook larger batches at once
• Great for reheating previously made tamales

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our supplies:

• Chicken tamales (homemade or store-bought)
• Aluminum foil
• Baking dish with sides
• Water
• Oven mitts
• Optional: damp kitchen towel
• Optional: aromatic herbs or spices to add flavor

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Tamales in the Oven

Step 1: Prepare Your Tamales

First things first – make sure your tamales are ready for the oven:

• If using frozen tamales, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, though you can cook them directly from frozen (just add extra cooking time)
• For fresh tamales, ensure they’re properly wrapped in their corn husks

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) – this moderate temperature is key for slow, even cooking that prevents drying

Step 3: Wrap the Tamales for Moisture

This is probably the most crucial step! You have two excellent options

Option 1: Individual Foil Wrapping Method

1. Wrap each tamale individually in aluminum foil (you might want to use two layers)
2. Make sure they’re completely sealed to trap moisture
3. Arrange on a baking sheet

Option 2: Baking Dish Method

1. Stand tamales upright in a baking dish (don’t overcrowd them!)
2. Pour about ½ inch of water into the bottom of the dish
3. For extra moisture protection, place a damp kitchen towel over the tamales
4. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil

Step 4: Bake the Tamales

• Place your prepared tamales in the preheated oven
• Baking time varies based on your tamales’ condition:
  • Fresh or thawed tamales: 45-60 minutes
  • Frozen tamales: 60-75 minutes
• If using the baking dish method, check water levels occasionally and add more if needed

Step 5: Check for Doneness

How do you know when your tamales are perfectly cooked? Here are some ways to tell:

• Carefully remove one tamale and unwrap it
• The masa (corn dough) should be firm and easily pull away from the corn husk
• If still sticky or wet, return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes
• For absolute certainty, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

• Once cooked, let the tamales rest for 5-10 minutes
• This allows the flavors to meld and the masa to firm up further
• Then carefully unwrap and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Tamales

1. Don’t skimp on the moisture – This is essential! Tamales can dry out in the oven without proper moisture.

2. Add flavor to the water – For the baking dish method, try adding chicken broth, herbs, or spices to the water for extra flavor.

3. Check periodically – Especially the first time you try this method, check on your tamales to make sure they’re not drying out.

4. Adjust based on size – Smaller tamales will cook faster than larger ones, so adjust your timing accordingly.

5. For frozen tamales – You can cook them directly from frozen, but add about 30-45 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Your Oven-Baked Chicken Tamales

Once your tamales are cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are some classic toppings and sides that pair wonderfully with chicken tamales:

• Fresh salsa or salsa verde
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced jalapeños
• Cilantro

Remember to remove the corn husks before eating! They’re not edible and can cause choking hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my chicken tamales from drying out in the oven?

The key is maintaining moisture throughout the cooking process. Either wrap each tamale individually in foil or use the baking dish method with water and a damp towel. The foil or cover creates a steaming environment that helps keep them moist.

Can I bake frozen chicken tamales directly without thawing?

Yes! You’ll just need to increase the baking time by about 30-45 minutes. Make sure they’re wrapped tightly in foil or placed in a covered baking dish with water to prevent drying.

How can I tell if my tamales are fully cooked?

A fully cooked tamale will have firm masa that pulls away easily from the corn husk. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How long can I store leftover baked tamales?

Leftover baked tamales can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a year.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked tamales?

The best way to reheat tamales is to steam them again, but you can also wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but add a damp paper towel to prevent excessive drying.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken tamales in the oven is a fantastic alternative to traditional steaming. With the right technique, you’ll get delicious, moist tamales every time. The key is creating a steamy environment that prevents drying out while allowing the tamales to cook through completely.

We’d love to hear how your oven-baked chicken tamales turn out! Do you have any special tricks or favorite toppings? Let us know in the comments.

Now go enjoy those delicious tamales – your family and friends will be impressed with your cooking skills, and they’ll never guess you didn’t use a steamer!

Happy cooking!